1. Find the Right Doctor
You want to make sure that an elderly person is able to communicate openly with her doctor. An elderly person may be more willing to discuss her health issues with a male or female doctor. An elderly person may prefer to have a doctor who speaks another language. If an elderly person is uncomfortable or unhappy with her doctor, it is okay to look for another doctor. It is also important that the doctor accepts Medicare and the elderly person's supplemental health insurance.
2. Research Ways to Help With Prescription Drug Costs
There are many options for seniors who need help with their prescription costs. You can ask for a senior discount at the drug store or find out about other discount programs. Ask your doctor if he can prescribe a generic equivalent, which may be cheaper. The Medicare offers prescription drug plans and financial assistance for those who qualify. Researching the different programs available for prescription assistance may seem like a lot of work. A doctor or family member of an elderly person may be able to help.
3. Understand Medicare and Health Insurance
There are volunteers in senior centers, hospitals, libraries and other community centers all across the country who offer unbiased information on health care plans for the elderly. A son or daughter can also help with the research. People may try to take advantage of the elderly and con them into paying for health care that should be covered by their insurance. Understanding what is covered by Medicare or supplemental insurance plans will help ensure that an elderly person receives the best possible health insurance coverage and only pays what she should.
4. Think Ahead About Long-Term Care Needs
Unfortunately, many elderly people are in need of long-term care. Long-term care may mean assistance with dressing, bathing and running errands, or it may mean more serious medical care. In most cases, Medicare doesn't pay for long-term care. Most elderly people have to find a way to pay for long-term care on their own. Some people begin saving earlier in life in case they need long-term care down the road. For those who don't have savings and can't afford it, they may rely on family members or apply for government assistance.
5. Prepare Advance Directives
Many elderly people want to know they will have a say in their final days, even if they aren't able to communicate. An advanced directive is a legal document that outlines a person's wishes concerning end-of-life care. By creating an advanced directive, an elderly person can document whether or not they would like to live on life support or for how long. Advance directives can include information about tube feeding or organ donation. Many people think an advanced directive is a good way to avoid forcing their family members to make difficult medical decisions on their behalf.
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